Another suggestion and you have time to do it regarding plants and
benches. Our 5th graders have a plant sale each year the week before
Mother's Day. Many of our kids are very poor (total Title I school).
They bring cuttings, teachers get cuttings and pay for the potting soil.
We (the children and teachers) raise the plants from the fall till
spring. They learn about life cycles, responsibility, and pride by
taking care of the plants. When we sell them in May, the students vote
on items for the school. We price them very reasonably usually between
$1 - $5. They have purchased 4 fast growing shade trees for the
playground area (local varieties), 3 picnic tables, and a bench for the
school courtyard. Merchants allowed us to purchase the items at cost, so
the kids' money went farther. All the kids respect the items (Start
messing with them and they will jump all over you) and look forward to
the plant sale when they are in 5th grade.

Maybe you could pair up with a grade level, or service group to do a
similar project.

I wouldn't waste time with grant $$ on benches and plants, I would get
them
donated, and offer the businesses that donate them, a placque in the
garden
with their names on it. I would save your grant writing efforts on
supplies, or tools for your art program. I have gotten benches, plants,
pots donated for all of my plays, easily and without hassle. They just
want
to be recognized.
kathy Tickner

Several additions are being built onto my school(middle
school). There will be a courtyard outside my artroom window. It
will be 31' X 39.' I am wanting to do something there so it is an
inviting place, especially for my classes. I am planning to apply
for some grant $$$$$ to purchase benches and plants. Is there
anything else you think of that I should try to include???? There
will be a brick wall on the other side of the grassy area...I am in
Michigan, so we probably would use the space a month or so in the
fall and spring, but we will be looking at it all the time!
Principal is willing, but I want to think of something really unique.
Let me know if you think of anything great.....